EA Sports Cup 2^nd Round

Monaghan United  v  Dundalk.

Having received a bye in the first round, Monaghan United kick off their campaign in the EA Sports Cup against neighbours Dundalk.  This was a competition that United did exceptionally well in last season being knocked out in the final by Sligo Rovers.  Last season they also defeated Dundalk in that fine run.

Since then there have been many changes at the Monaghan structure the most notable being the replacement of manager Mick Cooke with Roddy Collins.  Collins had a short sojourn with the Louth side during his playing career.

Dundalk are through to the final of the Setanta Cup but are not going that well in the Premier Division were for the moment they languish in the lower half of the table.  United on the other hand have commenced their season well in the 1^st Division being unbeaten after seven starts.  Their most recent outing was on Friday night where they had an unconvincing win against Wexford Youths, a repeat of such performance would not be sufficient against Dundalk.

The Premier Division side Dundalk will go in favourites, but United have always relished the arrival of Dundalk to Gortakeegan where their record against Dundalk has been very good and the home side are well capable of creating a shock.

Forecast: Home win after extra time.

Injuries

Alan Byrne

Suspensions:

None

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Manager Roddy says “ It’s been a very busy Bank Holiday weekend for Monaghan United. A good win against Wexford Youths, once again they proved troublesome on their visit to Gortakeegan.  It was obvious that they came here for a share of the points and once we went 2-0 up and they realised that that  was no longer possible they played some nice attacking football. Wexford came ! close in the end to getting the equaliser and I believe that on the balance of play on the night that would have been a bit of a travesty.

We must now turn our attention to Dundalk for this EA Sports Cup game, it is no secret that my main focus in taking on Monaghan United is the league, but that said we will take whatever else is on offer.  Last season Monaghan United had an excellent run in both Cups. Games with Dundalk are as close as Monaghan ge to playing in a derby match, there is a healthy rivalry between the sides and I am told that Dundalk don’t like playing at Gortakeegan against United.  Dundalk have a great support base but unfortunately for the powers that be at the club they don’t travel, but I am reliably informed that they do make some exception! for games in Monaghan.  I have good memories from my time at Dundalk.

Dundalk have to be favourites going into this game but I believe that I have the side that is capable of causing an upset, there is no doubt but the lads thrive on a challenge and they wont be found wanting.  As in each game so far this season we will be again short a couple of the regular starters but in  the players who came in proved that they were up to the task.

Since I have come to United the fan base is steadily growing and really getting behind the team I am looking for to more of the same against Dundalk”.

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Yours in football,

Roddy Collins.